AOMEI Dynamic Disk Manager have detected system configuration has changed

Managing storage on a Windows server or advanced workstation often involves using Dynamic Disks. Unlike standard Basic disks, Dynamic disks offer advanced capabilities such as spanned volumes, striped volumes (RAID 0), and mirrored volumes (RAID 1). To manage these complex structures, IT professionals rely on specialized tools like AOMEI Dynamic Disk Manager.

However, software that interacts deeply with the Windows kernel and storage subsystems can sometimes encounter synchronization issues. A common and frustrating error reported by users occurs immediately upon launching the software or attempting a partition operation:

"AOMEI Dynamic Disk Manager have detected that system configuration has changed, please restart the computer and run again!"

When this error appears, it locks you out of performing any operations. You might restart your computer as instructed, only to find the error pops up again, trapping you in a loop. In this comprehensive guide, we will analyze why this error occurs, how the Windows configuration system works, and provide step-by-step solutions to fix it so you can get back to managing your storage.

Understanding the Error: What Changed?

When AOMEI Dynamic Disk Manager (DDM) displays this error, it is flagging a discrepancy between the current state of the disk layout and the cached state the software expects.

This usually happens due to Pending Operations. Windows is a complex operating system that often queues file operations or driver updates to be performed during the next reboot. If a background process, a Windows Update, or another disk management tool (like the native Disk Management console) has modified the partition table or flagged a driver for update, AOMEI DDM detects this "volatility."

To prevent data corruption, the software blocks access. It essentially says, "The map of the hard drive I have doesn't match what Windows is telling me, or Windows is waiting to change something. I cannot proceed safely."

How to Fix "System Configuration Has Changed" Error

If you are stuck with this error, follow these troubleshooting steps in order.

Method 1: The Standard Restart (Do This First)

The error message explicitly asks for a restart. In 90% of cases, this is a legitimate request from the OS.

Step 1. Close all open applications and save your work.

Step 2. Click Start > Power > Restart.

Important: Do not choose "Shut Down" and then turn it back on. In Windows 10 and 11, "Shut Down" often uses "Fast Startup" (a type of hibernation), which does not clear the kernel session. A Restart forces a complete refresh of the system kernel and file locks.

Method 2: Check for Conflicting Software

If a restart doesn't fix it, another program might be actively modifying the disk configuration in the background.

Step 1. Close Disk Management: Ensure the built-in Windows Disk Management (diskmgmt.msc) window is closed.

Step 2. Disable Antivirus Temporarily: Some aggressive antivirus tools prevent partition managers from reading the Master Boot Record (MBR) or Logical Disk Manager (LDM) database. Pause your antivirus and retry.

Method 3: Clear "PendingFileRenameOperations" in Registry

This is the "secret" fix for when a restart loop occurs. Windows tracks pending reboot tasks in a specific Registry key. Sometimes, this key gets stuck, making the system think a reboot is always pending.

Warning: modifying the Registry carries risks. Proceed carefully.

Step 1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

Step 2. Navigate to this path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager

Step 3. In the right-hand pane, look for a value named PendingFileRenameOperations.

Step 4. If it exists, it means Windows is waiting to rename or delete files on reboot. Right-click it and select Delete.

Step 5. Restart your computer one last time and launch AOMEI Dynamic Disk Manager.

Method 4: Reinstall the Software

If the software's own configuration files are corrupted, it may falsely report system changes.

Step 1. Uninstall AOMEI Dynamic Disk Manager.

Step 2. Navigate to the installation folder and delete any remaining files.

Step 3. Download the latest version and reinstall it.

The Ultimate Solution: Use AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional

If you are using an older version of AOMEI Dynamic Disk Manager (often distributed as a separate tool or a legacy plugin), you are more likely to encounter compatibility errors with modern Windows updates.

The best long-term solution is to use the integrated Dynamic Disk Manager built into the modern AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional.

The modern AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional has completely integrated the dynamic disk management engine. It is optimized for Windows 10 and Windows 11 and handles system configuration checks much more intelligently.

Key Features for Dynamic Disks:

• Resize Dynamic Volumes: Extend or shrink dynamic volumes (including mirrored/RAID-1 volumes) to maximize space usage.

• Convert Dynamic to Basic: If you are tired of the complexity of dynamic disks, you can convert a dynamic disk back to a basic disk without data loss. This is the safest way to resolve persistent dynamic disk errors.

• Add Drive to RAID: Easily expand your software RAID arrays.

By upgrading to the main software suite, you bypass the limitations of the standalone legacy tool and gain access to a robust set of disk management features that are regularly updated to minimize configuration errors.

If there is still any problem, please feel free to contact our AOMEI Support Team.

FAQs

Q: Will restarting my computer lose my data?
A: No. The restart required by this error is a standard system reboot. It simply clears temporary files and pending system operations. Your stored data is safe.

Q: Why do I need a dynamic disk?
A: Dynamic disks allow for features that Basic disks do not, such as spanning a single volume across multiple physical hard drives or creating software RAID for data redundancy.

Q: Can I ignore the error and force the software to run?
A: No. AOMEI blocks operation for your safety. If you forced a partition resize while the system configuration was unstable, you could corrupt the partition table and lose all data on the volume.

To Sum Up

The error "AOMEI Dynamic Disk Manager have detected that system configuration has changed" is a safety mechanism designed to protect your data. While usually resolved by a simple system restart to clear pending Windows operations, persistent cases may require clearing Registry keys or checking for software conflicts. However, for the most stable and feature-rich experience, switching to the comprehensive AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional is recommended. This provides you with the latest tools to manage, resize, and convert dynamic disks without the frustration of legacy errors.